#72014 KV-1B Heavy Tank

This kit represents an early production KV-1 Model 1941 with the uparmored welded turret and ZIS-5 gun, produced at ChTZ in the late fall of 1941.  The parts contained in this kit are identical to those in kits #72012, #72013 and #72016, and the kit differs only in the instructions.  With some modifications, it is possible to use this kit to construct a KV s malenkiy bashniy, KV-1 Model 1939, KV-1 Model 1940 with F-32 gun or a Model 1940 s ehkranami, as well as the Model 1941 with ZIS-5 gun.

The cast steel two-part resilient road wheels included in the kit are appropriate for an early Model 1941 but as noted in previous sections, will create problems if you attempt to depict an earlier variant.

The kit includes the same upper hull as kit #72012 including the domed engine access hatch with inspection port.  The port was not introduced until the end of 1941, but it is a simple matter to remove the port from the hatch with a hobby knife or file.  You should also remove the outer two lifting eyes to correctly represent the early pattern hatch.

The kit includes the early pattern radiator intake screens, but the late pattern screens were introduced in May 1941, long before the introduction of the ZIS-5 gun that heralded the appearance of the Model 1941.  Both Extra Tech and part include the correct screens in their aftermarket sets.

The turret components are again identical to those in kit #72012, though the instructions direct you to use the ZIS-5 gun and mantlet.  As with PST’s other kits, the gun muzzle requires drilling out.  The turret lacks the chamfer beneath each side-facing episcope, and the small armor fillet below each chamfer.  These can be easily added with a file and styrene strip.

Note that if you wish to backdate the kit to represent a KV s malenkiy bashniy, KV-1 Model 1939, KV-1 Model 1940 with F-32 gun or a Model 1940 s ehkranami, you must reposition the rear-facing episcopes approximately 1mm inboard of the rear edge of the turret roof plate, to represent their position on the earlier 75mm-armored turret.

The kit includes a small decal sheet in common with kit #72017 and provides markings for three vehicles.  These include unit markings, turret numbers and patriotic slogans.  As always however, check your references since while a number of photographs exist of early production Model 1941s with visible markings, many vehicles remained without any markings.